QA Lab Technician

Alpha Baking Co., Inc.•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The QA Lab Technician will evaluate fresh products during active production runs and communicate results. They will also evaluate frozen historical product samples from all Alpha Baking plants and report findings. This role involves managing shelf-life and mold studies, including sample tracking, recordkeeping, and reporting. The technician will enact hold procedures and manage associated documentation. Additionally, they will serve as a cross-functional employee with other QA duties as needed, providing coverage across all shifts during vacations, absences, and staffing shortages. The role requires measuring and documenting product quality attributes such as weight, dimensions, color, and appearance, and serving as a resource regarding product specifications and quality concerns. The technician will communicate quality trends and deviations, working with Production to ensure products meet specifications, and assist with investigations, corrective actions, and customer complaints as needed. They will also perform inspections and evaluations required for customer-specific programs and key accounts, and follow all company safety, food safety, and security policies. Maintaining accurate and organized quality records, reports, and documentation is essential, as is assisting other departments as needed.

Requirements

Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to work independently.
Comfortable working in varying temperatures, including hot and cold environments.
Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and some holidays.
Basic computer skills for data entry and documentation.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
High School Diploma or equivalent.
Ability to stand for long periods and perform repetitive tasks.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. as needed.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced production setting.
Perform tasks requiring standing, lifting, pushing, pulling, walking, and climbing.
Perform tasks on a computer.

Nice To Haves

Previous QA experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred.
Knowledge of food safety regulations (HACCP, FDA, SQF, GMPs) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Evaluate fresh products during active production runs and communicate results.
Evaluate frozen historical product samples from all Alpha Baking plants and report findings.
Manage shelf-life and mold studies, including sample tracking, recordkeeping, and reporting.
Enact hold procedures and manage associated documentation.
Act as a cross-functional employee with other QA duties as needed, and provide coverage across all shifts during vacations, absences, and staffing shortages.
Measure and document product quality attributes including weight, dimensions, color, and appearance.
Serve as a resource regarding product specifications and quality concerns.
Communicate quality trends and deviations and work with Production to ensure products meet specifications.
Assist with investigations, corrective actions, and customer complaints as needed.
Perform inspections and evaluations required for customer-specific programs and key accounts.
Follow all company safety, food safety, and security policies.
Maintain accurate and organized quality records, reports, and documentation.
Assist other departments as needed.